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2 dead in apparent murder-suicide near U. of Maryland

One victim was pronounced dead, while the second was being treated for injuries.

By KEVIN RECTOR The Baltimore Sun

Updated:
02/12/2013 09:34:57 PM EST

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- A University of Maryland student allegedly shot his two roommates -- one fatally -- before killing himself early Tuesday morning at their College Park home, according to Prince George's County Police.

The suspected shooter and both victims, all students at the university, were living in an off-campus house, police said.

Officers responded to the home in the college town just before 1 a.m. EST for a report of a shooting and found all three men shot, said Officer Nicole Hubbard, a police spokeswoman.

A preliminary investigation showed the suspect started a small fire in the basement of the single-family home, then proceeded outside to the front yard along with his two roommates, Hubbard said.

He then opened fire, shooting one roommate and then firing on and striking the second roommate as the man fled, Hubbard said.

He then went around to the back of the home, where he fatally shot himself, Hubbard said.

One victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital, while the second was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries, Hubbard said.

The home is on a street just across University Boulevard from the campus, in a residential area where many students live. The street does not have university housing.

Tuesday morning, a burnt pile of charcoal with a bag of Miracle-Gro and a half-burnt upside down white plastic table could be seen in the home's backyard.

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Paul Rowe, a 22-year-old College Park senior who lives across the street, said, "I heard about 10 shots go off and then we were debating whether it was firecrackers or gun shots. We figured if it was gun shots, we should stay inside."

About five minutes after hearing the sounds, Rowe said it had quieted down and he and his roommates debated calling 911, but when they looked outside, several cop cars were already there. "It was not long at all. They were quick," said the Westchester, N.Y., native.

Of his neighbors, Rowe said, "They were always out on their porch and I always wanted to go over and say, 'What's up?' But, I never did. I'm glad I didn't."

Rowe said the street is a mix of students and families. Two houses down from where the incident took place, four kids' bikes could be seen on the porch. "I'm pretty surprised. You don't hear about people getting killed right in front of your house," Rowe said.

University police sent an email and text alert to students shortly after becoming aware of the incident, which included a description of a vehicle police were searching for. That vehicle information, from an initial radio call, turned out to be false, police said.

A weapon used in the killing has been recovered, police said.

University President Wallace D. Loh released a statement Tuesday morning saying "all appropriate University resources" will be assisting the county police in the investigation.

"The University of Maryland community awoke this morning to heartbreak. We are all shocked and saddened by this morning's tragic events. We extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the families and friends of the victims," Loh said.